Loans

Need a loan but worried about working with an online lender? Keep reading to learn how safe online loans are and how to spot a scam. Learn more here.

Jessica Martel

Payday loans let you take out small, short-term loan based on a percentage of your next paycheck, and come due (plus interest) on your next payday.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Explore how 1,000 Americans are using buy now, pay later services and check out what kind of purchases they were able to make with BNPL.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Read about how Americans are saving when it comes to their auto finances — we surveyed more than 1,000 car owners to explore this topic.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Find and compare the best boat loans. Our top picks include LightStream, Bank of the West, OneMain Financial and Mountain America Credit Union.

Rachel Morey

Interested in getting an installment loan? Use our guide to learn more about them, then find and compare the best lenders for you.

Holly Johnson

An installment loan provides money you repay in regular intervals over the loan term. Here's what you need to know before applying.

Holly Johnson

Wedding loans let you borrow what you need then pay it back with fixed monthly payments. Find out which lenders we recommend and why.

Holly Johnson

Looking to finance a pool purchase or installation? Our top picks for pool loan lenders include LightStream, SoFi and LendingTree.

Lindsay VanSomeren

Compare the best motorcycle loans so you can pick the right lender for you. Our top picks are Upstart, LightStream, FreedomPlus and Avant.

Jennifer Schurman

An interest rate is the amount a lender charges a borrower in a loan. It is expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed.

Holly Johnson

An installment loan is a borrowing option that lets you pay back a lump sum in monthly installments. Learn how it works and the pros and cons.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Using a personal loan to consolidate credit card debt can help you pay it off faster and easier, but those who need that help most may not qualify.

Holly Johnson

A creditor is an entity that lends money, often in return for charging interest and fees. Read about what it means to be in debt to a creditor.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Payday loans provide easy access to quick cash but come with high-interest rates. Before you apply, try these 12 alternatives to payday loans.

Dr. Megan Hanna

We compiled the best personal loans for borrowers with fair credit scores. Our top picks include Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Avant and LendingClub.

Jessica Martel

Do you need immediate cash? Use our guide to compare and find the best quick personal loan lenders for you, including info on loan amounts and terms.

Holly Johnson

Compare the best online personal loan companies to help you choose. Our top picks are Prosper, Best Egg, Marcus by Goldman Sachs and LendingClub.

Jennifer Schurman

An unsecured loan allows you to borrow money without any collateral and can be used for a variety of purposes. Read about our top picks.

Holly Johnson

The best personal loans with a co-signer have an online application process. They also come with low APRs, few fees and flexible repayment terms.

Holly Johnson

Consolidating can help save money on interest or pay off debt faster. Weigh pros and cons of debt consolidation to decide if it's right for you.

Ashley Eneriz

Personal loans may be right for you if you need a lump-sum infusion of cash. Before you decide, examine the types of personal loans and how they work.

Holly Johnson

A signature loan is a personal loan that relies only on the borrower’s signature as collateral. Find out if a signature loan is right for you.

Ashley Eneriz

Getting a personal loan with a co-signer or co-borrower can help you get approved or even get you a better rate. Here’s everything you need to know.

Ashley Eneriz

Does your debt feel overwhelming? Learn how to consolidate credit card debt, lower your monthly payments and save hundreds of dollars in interest.

Ashley Eneriz

Read requirements for personal loans to know before applying for a personal loan to boost your odds of getting approved. Learn more now.

Ashley Eneriz

Find the best student loan refinancing and consolidation companies. Read hundreds of customer reviews. Compare student loan consolidation vs refinancing options.

Barbara Friedberg

Usury is the act of charging unreasonably high interest rates to loan borrowers. Learn how it works, get examples and see what rates are usurious.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Looking for lenders that offer low-interest-rate loans? Our top picks include Best Egg, SoFi, Marcus by Goldman Sachs and LightStream.

Sandy Baker

We compiled the best personal loans for borrowers with good credit. Our picks are Prosper, Best Egg, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Upgrade and LightStream.

Jennifer Schurman

Our picks for the top personal loan companies include Best Egg, Upstart, Marcus by Goldman Sachs and Prosper. Compare rates, fees and reviews.

Ashley Eneriz

If you’re looking for help paying for your next trip, compare vacation loans with low costs and long payoff periods for varying credit scores.

Holly Johnson

Curious about how the interest on your loan works? Learn how interest rates are determined and how to calculate interest yourself.

Ashley Eneriz

When you are experiencing a financial emergency, applying for financial hardship loans might be a solution. Here's how a hardship loan may help.

Ashley Eneriz

Personal loans are not considered income and cannot be taxed unless the lender forgives the loan. Learn how personal loans impact taxes.

Ashley Eneriz

Rolling multiple debts into one can be a way to streamline the repayment process and possibly even lower the overall cost of your debt.

Jessica Martel

Consider a personal loan if you’re consolidating debt or funding an expense like a home remodel. Interest rates may be lower than with credit cards.

Ashley Eneriz

Can you pay off a personal loan early? You can always pay off a personal loan early, but it might come with a cost, depending on your lender.

Ashley Eneriz

Interested in peer-to-peer lending? We found the best P2P marketplaces for you to compare. Top picks include Peerform, Prosper, Upstart and Kiva.

Ashley Eneriz

Asked to be a co-signer? Here are the pros and cons of co-signing a loan and the impact it can have on your credit score and relationships.

Ashley Eneriz

A credit-builder loan can help those who've never had credit or who are rebuilding after mistakes. They don't require good credit for approval.

Holly Johnson

Over 50K+ customer reviews to help you find the best debt consolidation company. Use our guide to compare loan amounts, interest rates, loan terms and more.

Holly Johnson

Debt consolidation can help or hurt your credit score, depending on which method you use and how diligent you are with your repayment plan.

Gabriel Shabat

Looking for the best buy now, pay later apps? Our top picks for this kind of financing are Sezzle, Klarna, Afterpay, Perpay and Splitit.

Sandy Baker

Need money for unexpected expenses? Use our guide to compare the best emergency loan lenders. Top picks include LightStream, Avant and Upgrade.

Lee Huffman

Use our guide to compare the best auto loan companies. Learn about the types of car loans available, credit score requirements and more.

Emma Simon

We compiled the best apps that loan money to help you make it until your next paycheck. Our top picks include Earnin, Brigit and Dave.

Rachel Morey

Worried about how you’ll pay for going solar? Read about the best solar financing companies and how to choose which is right for you.

Brian Church

Searching for loan options? Explore top lenders by category and location. Learn about different types of companies and how to compare them.

Kathryn Parkman

Need quick cash? Use our guide to compare the best payday and title loan companies, research qualifications and read consumer reviews.

Jessica Render

Need to pay for school? Compare our picks for top private student loan lenders. Plus, learn about different types of loans and how it all works.

Ashley Eneriz

Learn more about what debt relief companies do, how it affects your credit score, how it's different from debt consolidation and whether it's risky.

Holly Johnson

Wondering if LightStream is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Looking for a home improvement loan? We compiled the best lenders for home updates. Top picks include LightStream, SoFi and Discover Personal Loans.

Kevin Payne

Wondering if Universal Credit is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if Discover Personal Loans is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if Credit Direct is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if Avant is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if Happy Money is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if LendingPoint is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if Prosper is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if Upstart is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if Fiona is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Wondering if Rocket Loans is legit? Check out what verified reviewers have to say about the loan process, customer service, speed and more.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team

Credit union personal loans sometimes come with lower rates and better terms than at banks, which could make them a good option. Learn more here.

Holly Johnson

Credit-builder loans help those who have never had credit or are rebuilding after mistakes, and don't require good credit for approval.

Holly Johnson

Over 40% of Americans say they need a personal loan, with nearly a third wanting it to pay bills, according to a national survey by ConsumerAffairs.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Do medical bills affect your credit? It depends on the scoring model and amount of debt. Here’s how to handle medical bills on your credit report.

Holly Johnson

To help you decide whether debt consolidation is the right way to pay off your loans, learn what it is, how it works and the pros and cons.

Holly Johnson

Consumers have a number of places to turn to for personal loans. Here's what you need to know to get approved for a personal loan.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Consumers have a number of places to turn to for personal loans. Here's what you need to know to get approved for a personal loan.

Ashley Eneriz

Obtaining a personal loan can help you in more ways than just giving you cash. Learn more about the benefits of getting a personal loan.

Ashley Eneriz

Should I get a personal loan for home improvement? Taking out a home renovation loan has both advantages and disadvantages. Learn more.

Ashley Eneriz

A personal loan for business may be an option when other forms of business financing don't work. Learn the pros and cons and explore alternatives.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Taking out a personal loan to pay off credit card debt can be a huge financial relief, but is it your best option? Learn more here.

Ashley Eneriz

Personal loan rates tend to range from 6.99% to 36%. Read about what affects interest rates on personal loans and how to get a good one.

Ashley Eneriz

Some lenders charge an origination fee upfront for processing a new personal loan. Here’s what to know about origination fees and loan costs.

Dr. Megan Hanna

A personal loan for your wedding can be a handy option to pay for your special day — if you can afford to meet the monthly payments.

Dr. Megan Hanna

A line of credit is a loan you can access as needed with a set maximum amount from a lender. Learn how it works, its uses, and pros and cons.

Rachel Morey

Refinancing a personal loan could help you take advantage of lower rates or better repayment terms. Learn more about how to refinance a personal loan.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Pre-qualifying for a personal loan lets you see the rates and terms you might receive so you can choose the best option for you. Learn how it works.

Dr. Megan Hanna

Looking for a bad credit loan? We compiled the best lenders for borrowers with bad credit. Our top picks include Avant, Upgrade and Rocket Loans.

Holly Johnson

When you need to borrow money, weigh all options, from personal loans to cash advances, and know which to avoid. Learn more about how to borrow money.

Jessica Martel

A hard credit inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit file to make a decision about your application for credit. Learn more today.

Jessica Martel

Compare the best business loans and financing companies using expert ratings and consumer reviews in the official ConsumerAffairs buyers guide.

Barbara Friedberg

Are you considering bankruptcy to remove debt? Learn about the pros and cons, the different types and the steps to filing for bankruptcy.

David Chandler, Ph.D.

Compare the best medical loans for borrowers with good or bad credit. Our top picks include Upstart, SoFi, LightStream and LendingClub.

Kevin Payne

Find and compare lenders that offer the best small personal loans. Our top picks include Upstart, Upgrade, Fiona, PenFed and Best Egg.

Sandy Baker

Use our guide to compare the best auto loan refinancing companies. Learn about rates, how refinancing works, what the requirements are and more.

Emma Simon

From checking your score to getting a co-signer, learn the four steps to getting a personal loan with bad credit — and ways to improve your credit.

Sandy Baker

An unsecured loan doesn’t require collateral. Learn about how this kind of loan works, the types and what to consider before getting one.

Sandy Baker

Collateral is an item of value that secures a loan to protect a lender in case of borrower default. Learn more about what it is and how it works.

Jennifer Schurman

Loan servicing is day-to-day management of a loan, often done by a third party. Learn how it works and the difference between a servicer and a lender.

Jennifer Schurman

Predatory lending employs deceptive practices to get borrowers to take out bad loans. Read about how it works, see examples and learn how to avoid it.

Jennifer Schurman

The best places to get a personal loan are banks, credit unions and online lending companies. Get tips on how to choose one that works for you.

Sandy Baker

From how they work to what you need to apply, read about the four things you should know before taking out a personal loan for any purpose.

Sandy Baker

A simple interest loan calculates interest based only on the principal. Learn how it works, get examples and weigh the pros and cons.

Sandy Baker

A secured loan is a loan that requires collateral from the borrower. Learn more about how these loans work, the types, and pros and cons.

Sandy Baker

You can take out a personal loan for various purposes, then pay it back in monthly installments. Read more about how this kind of loan works.

Josh Richner

Loan principal is the total amount borrowed from a lender. Learn how principal works and how it impacts your monthly loan payment.

Jennifer Schurman

A hard money loan is a short-term secured loan from a nontraditional lender. Learn how it works, considerations and requirements for qualifying.

Taylor Sansano

A credit-builder loan helps those with no or limited credit history boost their credit so they can borrow in the future. Learn how it works.

Jennifer Schurman

Loan terms are the rules regarding the repayment of a loan (not to be confused with the term length). Learn how these work and see examples.

Sarah Goldy-Brown

A personal loan is fast funding you can put toward just about any purchase. Read about how these loans work, the types and where to get one.

Sandy Baker

Considering taking out a loan? From the application and approval process to funding and repayment, learn more about how loans work.

Sandy Baker

From gathering all the required documents and info to closing on the loan, learn how to apply for a personal loan in five simple steps.

Rachel Morey

Need to apply for a personal loan? Follow our six simple steps on how to get a personal loan, from checking your eligibility to comparing rates.

Jessica Render

A secured loan requires some form of collateral, while an unsecured loan requires just your signature. Read more about the pros and cons of both.

Rachel Morey

The difference between good debt and bad debt is whether it’s worth it to you and if you’re able to pay it off in a reasonable amount of time.

Sandy Baker

Interest rates and repayment terms are the main differences between payday and personal loans. Read about other key differences before getting a loan.

Sandy Baker

Personal loans can be good for debt consolidation or large, one-time purchases, while credit cards are better for everyday shopping. Here's why.

Sarah Goldy-Brown

Looking to borrow funds for a home improvement project or other expense? Learn the difference between a personal loan and a line of credit.

Jennifer Schurman

Loan principal is the amount you borrow, while interest is what you pay to borrow it. See how the two are calculated, which to pay off first and more.

Sandy Baker

From personal loans and credit cards to maximizing the equity in your home, we break down the top ways to pay for home renovations.

Jessica Render

A loan is a way to get money now, but you have to pay it back, often with added costs. Learn more about different types of loans and how they work.

Taylor Sansano

When you borrow money, you take on debt and become a debtor. Learn more about what this means and what laws protect debtors with ConsumerAffairs.

Emily Moore

In certain circumstances, you may want to withdraw money from your IRA — but that doesn’t mean you should. Learn about the process and the risks.

Sarah Goldy-Brown

Searching for a business loan? Use our step-by-step process to figure out what type of loan you need, how to secure the loan and more.

Kate Williams, Ph.D.

Title loans are short-term, secured loans that use a vehicle’s title as collateral. You can borrow up to 25–50% of the vehicle’s value.

Jessica Render

Payday loans are small, short-term and high-interest loans that require prompt payment. Compare payday loan pros and cons to decide if it's worth it.

Jessica Render

Title loans use a vehicle as collateral. They're easy to get short-term loans and only require a few items to qualify, including the car’s title.

Jessica Render

Are you eligible for student loan forgiveness? Find out if you qualify for one of these student loan forgiveness, cancellation or discharge programs.

Emma Simon

The best Albuquerque personal loan companies can help you with a large purchase. Learn more about loan types, regulations and more.

Sandi Pope

If you're needing emergency funds, consider a personal loan. We compiled a list of the best Sacramento personal loan companies so you can compare lenders.

Sandi Pope

Need help with unexpected expenses? Be sure to read our guide to find the best Portland personal loan lenders. Learn which loan type to get and how to choose.

Sandi Pope

About to make a large purchase? We compiled a list of the best Denver personal loan lenders so you can compare loan types and learn the regulations.

Sandi Pope

Need money before you get paid? Check out our guide to find the best Cincinnati payday loan companies. Learn the regulations and how to apply.

Sandi Pope

Looking for a personal loan? Read our guide to find the best Chicago personal loan companies. Compare loan types and choose the right lender.

Sandi Pope

Looking for some quick financial help? Read our guide to see the best Dallas personal loan companies. Compare loan types and find what's best for you.

Sandi Pope

Trying to find some financial help? We created a list of the best Austin personal loan lenders so you can compare offers and find the right loan.

Sandi Pope

Needing funds for a large purchase? Read our guide to find a list of the best Los Angeles personal loan companies. Compare loan types and learn how to choose.

Sandi Pope

Need some emergency funds? Read our guide to find the best Houston personal loan companies and learn more about how to choose, regulations and more.

Sandi Pope

Need funds for a big purchase? Check out our guide to find the best Kansas City personal loan companies. Compare loan types and find the right one for you.

Sandi Pope

The best Indianapolis personal loan companies can support you when money is tight. We created a guide so you can compare loan types and learn how to choose.

Sandi Pope

Dealing with unexpected expenses? We created a guide of the best San Antonio personal loan companies. Read through to learn which type of loan is best for you.

Sandi Pope

Needing additional funds? We created a guide of the best Orlando personal loan companies. Compare loan types and learn how to pick the right lender.

Sandi Pope

Need cash and have nowhere to turn? Check out our list of the best Tulsa personal loan lenders. Learn which type of loan you need and find a lender.

Sandi Pope

Dealing with unexpected expenses? Check out our guide to find the best Cincinnati personal loan companies and learn how to pick the right loan and lender.

Sandi Pope

Looking for funding? Read our guide to find a list of the best Las Vegas personal loan companies. Compare loan types and find what's right for you.

Sandi Pope

Needing some quick cash? We created a list of the best Pittsburgh personal loan companies. Learn which type of loan is best for you and what to look for.

Sandi Pope

Looking to make a big purchase? Read our guide to find the best Atlanta personal loan companies. Compare loan types to see which is best for you.

Sandi Pope

Need help with a big purchase? We compiled a list of the best Milwaukee personal loan companies so you can compare loan types and learn how to choose a company.

Sandi Pope

Worried about an unexpected expense? Check out our guide to see the best Portland payday loan companies. Compare loan amounts, interest rates and more.

Sandi Pope

In need of a short term loan? Read through our guide to find the best Houston payday loan companies. Compare requirements, qualifications and interest rates.

Sandi Pope

Need quick funds? Look through our guide to see the best Tulsa payday loan companies. Compare companies' requirements, interest rates and more.

Sandi Pope

Need help with an unexpected payment? Read our guide to see the best Las Vegas payday loan companies. Compare loan amounts, fees and learn how to apply.

Sandi Pope

Looking for quick funds? Read our guide to see a list of the best Los Angeles payday loan companies. Compare interest rates, requirements and more.

Sandi Pope

Need a pay advance before your next check? Read our guide to find the best San Antonio payday loan companies. Learn about requirements, interest rates and more.

Sandi Pope

In need of some quick, same-day funds? Check out our guide on the best Sacramento payday loan companies. Learn about requirements, regulations and more.

Sandi Pope

Looking to get quick and easy funds? Be sure to check out our guide to see the best Chicago payday loan companies. Learn about requirements and regulations.

Sandi Pope

Looking for some quick funds? We created a guide of the best Austin payday loan companies. Read through to compare interest rates, requirements and more.

Sandi Pope

Need a quick loan until your next paycheck? Use this guide of the best Dallas payday loan companies to find out requirements and compare options.

Sandi Pope

Needing some emergency funds? We created a list of the best Milwaukee payday loan companies so you can compare interest rates and learn the requirements.

Sandi Pope

Needing some emergency funds? Read this list to find the best Denver payday loan companies. Learn the requirements, laws and how to apply.

Sandi Pope

Looking for some quick funds? We created a list of the best Indianapolis payday loan companies so you can compare rates and learn what's required.

Sandi Pope

Looking for some same-day cash? Read our guide to find the best Kansas City payday loan companies. Learn the laws regarding loans and how to get one.

Sandi Pope

In need of quick cash? Check out our guide to find a list of the best Orlando payday loan companies. Learn the requirements and laws to get started.

Sandi Pope

Use our guide to choose the best loan modification company. Find out what a loan modification is and if you qualify. Read thousands of customer reviews.

Clark Kendall